Life-Giving Words of Hope & Encouragement

Life is full of highs and lows, and sometimes, we find ourselves in the pits. These pits can feel dark, isolating, and inescapable. Whether we’re pushed into them by others, pulled in by circumstances, or stumble into them ourselves, pits are an inevitable part of the human experience. But here’s the good news: pits are temporary, and even in the darkest moments, God is still working to fulfill His purpose for our lives.

Some pits catch us off guard. Maybe it’s a betrayal, like Joseph experienced in Genesis 37:23-24 when his own brothers threw him into a pit out of jealousy. They intended to harm him, but God had other plans: “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives” (Genesis 50:20).

Other times, pits come from the weight of life’s circumstances—loss, disappointment, or unforeseen challenges. And let’s be honest, sometimes we dig our own pits through poor decisions, sin, or a lack of trust in God. Yet, no matter how we get there, God doesn’t abandon us in the pit.

While pits can feel permanent, they’re really just pit stops on the journey of faith. Think about a race car driver pulling into the pit stop during a race. It’s not the end of the race—it’s a moment to refuel, repair, and prepare to get back on track.

Joseph’s time in the pit didn’t define him; it prepared him. From the pit to slavery, then to prison, and finally, to the palace, God used every stop in Joseph’s journey to shape him into the man who would save an entire nation from famine. The pit was part of the process, but it wasn’t the final destination.

The most important thing to remember about pits is that we are never alone in them. Psalm 40:1-2 says: “I waited patiently for the Lord; He turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.”

God meets us in our lowest moments. He hears our cries, pulls us out, and sets us back on solid ground. Even when we don’t understand why we’re in the pit, we can trust that God is with us, working behind the scenes to bring about His plan.

Lessons from the Pit:

• Trust God’s Timing: The pit may feel endless, but God’s timing is perfect. Joseph waited years to see God’s promise fulfilled, but he never lost faith.

• Refuel and Reflect: Use the pit stop to draw closer to God. Spend time in prayer, worship, and in His Word.

• Don’t Let the Pit Define You: Remember that your circumstances are temporary. The pit is not the end of your story. If your story isn’t good, then it’s not over.

• God’s Purpose Prevails: Even in the pit, God is working for your good and His glory (Romans 8:28).

No pit is too deep for God’s love to reach. Trust that God is with you, whether you’ve been pushed, pulled, or jumped into a pit. He’s not just the God of the mountaintops; He’s the God of the valleys and the pits.

So, the next time you find yourself in a pit, remember it’s just a pit stop. God is preparing you, refining you, and preparing you for the next part of the journey. Like Joseph, you may not see the complete picture now, but trust that God’s plan is bigger than the pit.

Your pit is temporary, but God’s promises are eternal. Keep your eyes on Him, and He’ll lift you out, set your feet on solid ground, and guide you toward the purpose He has for your life. I hope this speaks to you, and I pray you have a blessed day!